Upon arrival in Iceland, you'll be met and transferred to the domestic airport to connect to the flight to Akureyri. After a stroll around the town and a lunch of local fare, board the Panorama for our Iceland expedition cruise. (B,L,D)

DAY 3

02 Jun 2019

Akureyri, Iceland

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Godafoss, Iceland

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Lake Mývatn, Iceland

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Húsavík, Iceland

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Travel the Ring Road to visit Godafoss, or "Waterfall of the Gods" into which Viking lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði cast statues of Norse deities upon acceptance of Christianity in the year 1,000. Continue through the mountains to Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's most scenic and geothermally active locations as well as being the nesting ground for thousands of waterfowl and other interesting birds, including gyrfalcon, greater scaup, Eurasian wigeon, common scoter, and common pochard, that spend the spring in the area. After also exploring the volcanic landscapes and craters of Námaskarð and Dimmuborgir, continue to the colorful port city of Húsavík. Enjoy time at leisure to meander through the town, which boasts its own fjord and views of distant snow-covered mountains. Dinner tonight is aboard Panorama as we continue toward Siglufjörður. (B,L,D)

DAY 4

03 Jun 2019

Siglufjördur, Iceland

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Enjoy a morning sailing through the rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay, watching for the area's prolific whales. While minke whales are the most commonly spotted species, the area is also home to humpback whale, white-beaked dolphin, and harbour porpoise. In early summer, the bay has also played host to enormous blue whale. Journey on to Siglufjörður, once a bustling herring town! The Herring Era Museum is the only museum in Iceland to win the European Museum Award, naming it the best museum on the continent for 2014. It has been painstakingly and lovingly restored by local donors, artists, architects, and volunteers to be a time portal, taking visitors back to the days of the herring boom through displays that bring to life every detail of what it was like to live and work here in those times. Sample a traditional rye bread with local herring and Icelandic schnapps while taking in a show of period music and dance. Before returning to Panorama, discover the local history and culture of this wonderful northern town on a guided walking tour. (B,L,D)

DAY 5

04 Jun 2019

Isafjördur, Iceland

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Hesteyri, Iceland

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Isafjördur, Iceland

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Dynjandi, Iceland

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In 1952, the tiny isolated village of Hesteyri was abandoned by its 80 inhabitants. With no roads or permanent residents, the native flora has flourished alongside Arctic fox, nesting birds, and seals. On a guided walk, learn what it was like to live just south of the Arctic Circle and more of the town's history. Savor traditional Icelandic refreshments at the old doctor's house before setting back to Ísafjörður. This is the ideal opportunity to photograph Jokulfirdir fjord's snow-flecked mountains and secluded coves. Back onboard Panorama, cruise around the jagged bird cliffs of the Westfjords and anchor in front of the majestic Dynjandi Waterfall. Dynjandi is one of the most photogenic falls in Iceland thanks to its unusual triangular cascade. (B,L,D)

DAY 6

05 Jun 2019

Látrabjarg, Iceland

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Bildudalur, Iceland

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Patreksfjörður, Iceland

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Tálknafjörður, Iceland, Iceland

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Bildudalur, Iceland

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Enjoy early morning birding along the famed Látrabjarg Cliffs, the western-most point of Europe. Join local birding guides to explore the cliffs looking for the prolific birdlife, which includes puffins, northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills. As much as 40% of the world's population of razorbill live on the cliffs! Látrabjarg's claim to fame is that it is reportedly the best place in the world to photograph puffins. After filling our cameras with photos of the birdlife, stop at the Heritage Museum at Hnjótur, learning how locals utilized the bird cliff and even rescued foreign fishermen from stranded ships. Panorama cruises to Bíldudalur for a full afternoon of discovery. Our afternoon tour begins with a guided walk through the quaint fishing village of Patreksfjörður. Stop to sample varieties of delicious fish while visiting the main fish factory and learning about the area's commercial fish processing. See a specially constructed wooden frame used to dry fish, and of course, taste the dried fish with Icelandic butter. After a short drive to Tálknafjörður village, call on the self-service fishmongers. While in the village, taste Arctic char and Arctic trout. En route to Bíldudalur, stop for an incredible vista over Arnarfjörður, widely considered the most beautiful fjord in the Westfjords because of its diverse landscape, magnificent mountains, and impressive waterfalls. There is an extensive salmon farming in Bíldudalur and we get to taste their products. Cap-off our day at the Sea Monster Museum, delving into Icelandic folklore and culture. (B,L,D)

DAY 7

06 Jun 2019

Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

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Akranes, Iceland

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Reykjavík, Iceland

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Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, home to majestic mountains, a variety of birdlife, basalt columns, and Snæfellsjökull, the mountain where the characters of Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth ascended on their expedition to find the core of our planet. Often called "Iceland in Miniature", the 90-km long peninsula holds many of Iceland's most Iconic sites, such as Kirkjufell Mountain and relics from explorations long ago. According to New Age beliefs, this is also one of the seven most energy-filled sites on Earth. Stroll through the sandy hills, black lava, and yellow beaches of Búðir. Arnarstapi is perhaps our most important stop — for the kittiwakes, fulmar, gulls, Arctic terns, and more. End our exploration on Djúpalónssandur's black-pebbled beaches. Embark the Panorama back in Akranes, and cruise toward Reykjavík. (B,L,D)

DAY 8

07 Jun 2019

Reykjavík, Iceland

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Þingvellir, Iceland

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Gullfoss, Iceland

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Geysir Area, Iceland

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Hveragerði, Iceland, Iceland

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Hellisheiði Power Station, Iceland

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Reykjavík, Iceland

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GOLDEN CIRCLE: Explore a collection of Iceland's greatest natural attractions, the iconic Golden Circle. Begin our day in Þingvellir National Park, site of one of the oldest parliaments in the world. Parts of Þingvellir form a fissure zone running through Iceland and are situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This might be the only place in the world where you can walk on a ground not part of any continent! Continue across the Lyngdalsheiði heath to Gullfoss, a waterfall dropping over 100 feet into a canyon over a mile long. It offers a spectacular view of the forces and beauty of untouched nature. On a stroll through the geothermal park at Geysir, find amazing geological forces at work. The park sits atop a vast boiling cauldron of steam and lava. We find belching sulfurous mud pots of unusual colors, hissing steam vents, hot and cold springs, warm streams, and primitive plants can all be found here. Visit Hveragerði, a small village where geothermal water has been used to build up an extensive greenhouse industry. End our Golden Circle tour at Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant. Icelanders' use of clean, green geothermal energy has long since surpassed that of any nation in the world. In fact, more than 90% of all houses in Iceland are heated with geothermal energy. The Hellisheiði Power Plant combines a high tech exhibition, experienced guides, and a look into this extraordinary aspect of daily life in Iceland. It's an impressive building with magnificent views over the surrounding lava fields and pillars of geothermal steam. En route to the port, enjoy a driving tour of Reykjavík. (B,L,D)

About the Ship

Aboard the 48-guest Panorama, emphasis is placed on time outdoors. A Sun Deck is equipped with loungers, chairs and a bar. After briefings, enjoy the lounge, which features a small library and comfy sofas. When not taking meals featuring Cuban specialties in privately owned paladars, enjoy a sumptuous selection of both international cuisine.

About Us

For 33 years, travelers have relied on International Expeditions’ matchless expertise to discover the captivating wildlife, inspiring landscapes and fascinating cultures of Earth’s most pristine natural and cultural wonders. Our small-ship adventures to the Peruvian Amazon and Galapagos Islands, intimate group journeys to Patagonia, Panama, Costa Rica, Machu Picchu, India and Cuba, and in-depth safaris open the world to curious travelers. IE’s engaging, small-group itineraries delve wildlife, customs and ecological issues — all through the eyes of passionate, knowledgeable local naturalists. Our award-winning itineraries include a conservation focus that affords our guests opportunities to visit scientific researchers and even participate in community service projects on select tours.

Insider Tip

Have guests who want a personal look at all the wildlife an area offers? IE's naturalist guides are happy to take guests on spontaneous pre-dawn birding excursions...just ask!

Hellisheiði Power Station, Iceland - 07 Jun 2019

Reykjavík, Iceland - 07 Jun 2019

Reykjavík, Iceland - 08 Jun 2019

Keflavík, Iceland - 08 Jun 2019

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By: DrummerBoy

Reviewed on: 14 Oct 2013

International Expeditions (IE) provided an amazing trip for both locations. Everything was taken care of, the guides/crew were amazing and the food and lodgings equally terrific. I saw sights that you can't see anywhere else! I would highly recommend this trip for all ages.

Splendid trip, diferent and exciting

By: Jose

Reviewed on: 18 Jun 2014

This was a magic and different trip, all nature and splendid vegetation, was something we were really expecting to have in teh Amazons, in the other way the second part of the trip the great machupicchu, and the beautiful Cusco were impresive. Thank you.